Back in December of 2004, one of Kim Beck’s 3-year-old twins, Meghan, died in her bedroom, not from disease, but her dresser.

Kim told NewsCenter 5’s Lynn Jolicoeur that Meghan was probably climbing on a drawer when the dresser fell on her. The rest of her family was sleeping and heard nothing.

The Becks knew about the risk of furniture tip-overs before Meghan’s death. They had secured larger furniture pieces, including a dining room hutch, to the walls. They did not see Meghan’s small dresser as a danger.

In their pain, they launched a non-profit organization called Meghan’s Hope, to educate other parents about falling furniture. They hope an upcoming fundraising walk in Worcester will help them spread their message.

The Becks’ research has found falling furniture injures eight to ten thousand kids in the United States every year, and has killed 22 children since Meghan died.

Kim Beck is working on getting furniture straps sold in more stores, and pushing a bill in Congress in Meghan’s name. It would mandate manufacturers include new warning labels and safety straps with any furniture that could tip.

For more information on Meghan’s Hope www.meghanshope.org or call 508-885-9322.

Source: thebostonchannel.com

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